A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1500-1643
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Trimly, Trimlie, adv. Also: trimlye, trymly, -(e)lie. [e.m.E. trymly (1523), trimly (1579-80); Trim adj.]
1. Ably, effectively, well. b. Smartly, cleverly.c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 101/31.
Quhen I schau hir sa trimlye dance 1560 Rolland Seven Sages 4677.
The mother was wonder blyith & glaid That hir dochter sa trimlie was correctit a1568 Scott v 12.
In May gois gallandis bring in symmer, And trymly occupyis thair tymmer [= tabor] With ‘Hunts vp’ a1605 Montg. Sonn. ix 10.
Quhat happines the hevins on him bestoues Hes trimlie at this trublous tyme bene trydeb. 1560 Rolland Seven Sages 2696.
Quha can excuse this dowbill deuillis lim Sic ane fals trik sa trymlie playit to him
2. Neatly, finely, handsomely.1533 Bell. Livy II 113/7.
Scho was mare galȝeard and trymly clad than semyt hir estate 1580 Hume Promine 100.
Into the park did properlie appeir, Richt trimlie trottand into trowpis and twais The wilde quhite cullourit ky a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 11 (W).
Some singing, some springing With wingis into the skye So nymlie and trimlie, Thir birds thay flew me by c1590 Fowler I 108/106.
A quik and gallant lwik did mak me … stay for to behoulde the trowpe that trimlie drew to me. I saw … a sort of brawelyk dames [etc.] 1597 Cal. Sc. P. XII 545.
[Which bed is made of Spanish wide] taffatie [curtains in] braw form trymly frenȝeit 1643 Dalyell Darker Superst. 577.
[Satan desiring Jonet Barker to be his servant, engaged that] scho sould be as trymelie clad as the best servand in Edinburgh
